First off, welcome to ham radio.
There are some closed repeater systems. Fortunately, they are far and few between. The users of those systems will let you know its a closed system and you need to join the club in order to continue to use it.
Most other repeaters are open. but, it is considered very poor form, rude, etc, to use the system on a regular basis and not join the club that sponsors the repeater. As for privately owned repeaters, offer the owner a cash contribution periodically or offer to help with the next maintenance project on the repeater. Repeaters cost a lot of money to buy, operate, maintain and replace.
Fusion, DSTAR, DMR and other linked repeaters not only have the issues above, but there is also a phone line that has to paid each month. A commercial phone line isn't cheap.
Nobody like freeloaders. Once you decide on a home repeater, join the club that sponsors it.
73,
Rich, KA4GFY